New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): Delhi Chief Minister Atishi highlighted the accelerated growth of the Delhi Metro network under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, announcing that the metro expansion has increased one and a half times faster in the last decade compared to the previous ten years. She made this statement during her visit to the Mukundpur Depot, where the first set of trains for Phase IV of the Delhi Metro was stationed.
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Atishi shared the impressive growth of the metro network, revealing that the daily ridership has surged from 24 lakh passengers in 2014 to a remarkable 60 lakh this year. The Chief Minister further added that a new record was set on Monday, with the Delhi Metro serving 78 lakh commuters in a single day, showcasing the growing dependence on the metro system.
"Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Metro expansion has been 1.5 times faster in the last decade compared to the pre-2014 years," Atishi said, underscoring the remarkable progress made in expanding Delhi's metro system.
Atishi also announced the introduction of driverless trains for the Phase IV expansion of the Delhi Metro, which will operate on the Magenta Line. The Chief Minister praised the advanced technology, calling the trains some of the most sophisticated in the world, and confirmed that they would become operational within the next three to four months.
In a post on social media platform X, Atishi expressed her pride in Delhi's progress, stating, "Today, I had the opportunity to inspect this state-of-the-art driverless train, which will soon join the Magenta Line, reaffirming Delhi Metro's position as India's only metro system with driverless technology."
The Chief Minister provided insights into the growth of the Delhi Metro network, stating that since the beginning of metro operations in 1998, a total of 193 kilometers of lines were constructed until 2014. However, under the AAP government, this number has more than doubled, with an additional 200 kilometers being added from 2014 to 2024.
The number of metro stations has also significantly increased, from 143 stations in 2014 to 288 stations today, further improving connectivity across the city.
Currently, construction is underway for three Phase IV metro lines:
Additionally, the tendering process for two new lines—Lajpat Nagar to Saket and Indraprastha to Inder Lok—is in progress, with construction set to begin soon.
Atishi emphasized the positive impact of the metro network expansion, not only in terms of providing better transport options but also in boosting the economy of the city and reducing pollution levels. With the metro serving as a cleaner and more efficient mode of transport, it plays a crucial role in reducing the reliance on personal vehicles, thus contributing to lowering Delhi's air pollution levels.
The first driverless train, currently stationed at Mukundpur Depot, arrived in Delhi on Friday and will undergo several tests for statutory certification before entering revenue service. Under the RS-17 contract, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is set to receive a total of 52 trains for Phase IV priority corridors, including the Majlis Park to Maujpur, Janakpuri West to RK Ashram Marg, and Tughlakabad to Delhi Aerocity corridors. These trains will be delivered over the next few months.
The expansion of the Delhi Metro is a crucial development for the city, providing an efficient, eco-friendly, and reliable transportation option for millions of commuters. With the introduction of driverless trains and further metro lines in development, Delhi is set to become even more connected and accessible. As the metro network continues to grow, it will play an increasingly important role in addressing the city's transport and environmental challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Delhi Metro progresses towards its next milestones, ensuring a more sustainable and smarter future for the city.